NACOGDOCHES, Texas — Challenger Joanne Shofner will likely become the next Texas House District 11 representative following Tuesday's election.
Shofner defeated state Rep. Travis Clardy with over 60% of the vote. Clardy said he called Shofner to congratulate her on the win, according to our reporter on the scene.
District 11 includes the counties of Nacogdoches, Newton, Panola, Rusk, Sabine and Shelby.
Clardy has been in the office since 2013. He is a small business owner and attorney. He is currently a member of the House Committee on Higher Education, the House Committee on International Relations and Economic Development, and the Texas Sunset Commission.
Shofner is a seventh-generation Texan with East Texas roots who said she is prepared to protect the rights of children, parents and the Texas borders. She is the president of Nacogdoches County Republican Women. Shofner is a trained Christian life coach who seeks to empower women in recovery from traumatic experiences.
The main issue of this race was school choice and vouchers. During the last special legislative session, Clardy was among representatives who voted against the proposition made by Gov. Greg Abbott.
Abbott, who has been a part of Shofner's campaign events, endorsed Shofner, who is supportive of school vouchers and choice, in the race.
There is no Democratic challenger for the November election.